Kenya to face Nigeria in Copa Africa Cup final

Kenya went one step closer to clinching the inaugural Copa Coca-Cola Africa Cup tournament after defeating Zambia 1-0 in Friday’s semi-finals played at the Nakuru High School Grounds on Friday.

Defender David Leone scored the winner for Kenya, tucking home a neat penalty in the 48th minute after Harun Kibiwott had been brought down inside the area.

Nigeria crushed Botswana 5-0 in the other semi-final played at the same venue, setting up a mouthwatering final match-up set to be played on Saturday.

Kenya’s coach Peter Mayoyo said they had anticipated a tough semis clash and Zambia presented just that, pressing the hosts late on in search of an equalizer although their push was ultimately fruitless.

 

“It was a difficult match against Zambia but now our biggest hurdle to win the title now remains Nigeria who are in form of their lives after a big win against Botswana. Nevertheless, I have a good strategy to finish them and I urge our fans to come out in large numbers to cheers us,” Mayoyo said.

Kenya’s final opponents Nigeria were the best side in their tie against hapless Botswana dominating the better part of the lopsided match hitting four goals in the second half.

The West African side tactician Gilbert Igwe in his reflections said despite Kenya boosting a home ‘advantage tag’ he is out to bag the first edition title.

“I know it will be a noisy stadium tomorrow which will favour Kenya but we are ready to show our mighty and our big win against Botswana should send a warning to the hosts. We started the competition on a low note but we have acclimatized well and I am ready for the showdown,” the soft-spoken coach told Citizen Digital.

Going to the tomorrow’s showdown Kenya has not lost any match winning 4 matches scoring 14 goals in the process conceding only once while Nigeria has lost once against Zambia in their opening match on Monday.

Meanwhile, the second leg of the girls match pitting Kenya and Zimbabwe is penciled to precede the boy’s final with Kenya boasting a 2-0 first leg win.

Kenya and Zimbabwe are the only nations which have produced girl’s teams hence the tie is played in two legs to decide the winner. The finals will take place at the Afraha Stadium.

Saturday Finals

10:30 am Kenya Vs Zimbabwe Girls

12:00 Kenya Vs Nigeria Boys

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kenya Nigeria Zambia Copa Coca-Cola Africa Cup

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